Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– Canada will provide US$ 40 million to Bangladesh to support two projects in the next five years to ensure better education for children through strengthening the government’s capacity in economic planning, budgeting and financial resource management.

Canada’s Minister of International Cooperation Beverley J Oda announced this while speaking at a joint press briefing at the Finance Division conference room in the capital Dhaka on Friday.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith and Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan were present.

Of the US$ 40 million, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will provide US$ 20 million for the BRAC Education Program Phase II project and another US$ 20 million for the Strengthening Public Expenditure Management Program.

CIDA’s support for these two projects totaling $40 million is likely to achieve sustainable results that will make a difference for those living in poverty in Bangladesh.

Before the press briefing, an 11-member delegation, led by Ms Beverley Oda had a meeting with Finance Minister AMA Muhith at his Secretariat office in Dhaka.

BBN/SI/AD-21Jan11-9:30 pm (BST)